Elta Tar

Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing.

Elta Tar (for the skin) is used to treat skin symptoms of psoriasis, such as dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching. Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will only provide temporary relief of skin symptoms.

Coal tar may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Apply coal tar cream, lotion, ointment, or solution according to the directions on the medication label. Some forms of coal tar may be applied 1 to 4 times per day.

To use coal tar bath oil, pour 1 to 3 capfuls into a warm bath before bathing. The oil can make the bathtub slippery. Take care to avoid a fall.

Shake the coal tar shampoo well just before each use. Use enough shampoo to create a rich lather. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. Apply the shampoo a second time and leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Coal tar shampoo may discolor blond or colored hair. This effect is usually temporary.

Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of time without your doctor's advice.

Some forms of coal tar can stain fabric or other surfaces.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Elta Tar.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine tightly closed when not in use.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use Elta Tar if you are allergic to coal tar.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• if you are allergic to any drugs; or
• if you are receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.

Coal tar products may contain lanolin, mineral oil, or other emulsifiers. Check the label of any coal tar product you are using. Talk with your doctor before using coal tar if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without adult supervision.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Elta Tar may cause serious side effects. Stop using Elta Tar and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stinging, burning, swelling, or other irritation of the treated skin.

Common side effects may include mild skin irritation or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since Elta Tar is used as needed, you might not have a dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

An overdose of Elta Tar is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not use coal tar with other psoriasis medications unless your doctor advises you to.

Avoid getting Elta Tar in your eyes. If this happens, rinse with water.

Do not use coal tar to treat the skin in your groin or rectal area.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which may lead to sunburn.

It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect coal tar applied to the skin. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all your health care providers about every medicine you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.